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The Pope lends an ear
It was one of the biggest events in Canadian history. On Sept. 9, 1984 Pope John Paul II kissed the tarmac in Quebec City to kick off the first Canadian papal visit. In the frenzied atmosphere of a rock concert, Canadians flocked for a fleeting glimpse of the Holy Father. Over the next 12 days the Pope stirred millions with his condemnation of injustice and poverty, along with his traditional stance on birth control and divorce.
A police officer told the Pope about the impact of economic recession; an 18-year-old talked about her peers abandoning the church for alcohol, sex and drugs; a doctor appealed to the Pope to show understanding to the divorced and a nun addressed the role of women in the church.
These messages are not new to the Pope. Some Canadian bishops are hoping for more understanding from John Paul II on issues such as birth control, women's roles and divorce. They believe the church needs to adapt itself to changes in Canadian society.
. When John Paul II was elected to the papacy in 1978 he was only 58, making him the youngest Pope in 132 years.
. Overlooking the waters in the picturesque setting of Flat Rock, Nfld., the Pope blessed the fishing fleet that had lined up in the shape of the sign of the cross.
Program: The National
Broadcast Date: Sept. 13, 1984
Guest(s):
Host: Knowlton Nash
Reporter: Joe Schlesinger
Duration: 3:31
Last updated: January 17, 2012
Page consulted on March 27, 2013
All Clips from this Topic
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Security is a top priority for the Pope's visit.
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Pope John Paul II kicks off his historic tour of Canada.
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Canadians go bonkers over Pope paraphernalia.
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The entire CBC broadcast of the Pope's first mass in Canada.
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The second day of the Pope's 12-day visit to Canada.
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Move over Michael Jackson and make way for the Pope.
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During his visit to Montreal, the Pope addresses some 3,000 priests, a...
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On his visit to Newfoundland, the Pope condemns poverty and defends hu...
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John Paul II hears from ordinary Catholics.
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The Pope makes a quick and intense 7-hour visit to New Brunswick.
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John Paul II attracts a record-breaking crowd.
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The Pope warns Canada not to ignore the plight of the third world.
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The Pope's visit to the North.
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The Pope meets Canada's political elite in Ottawa.
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A wrap-up of the Pope's visit to Canada.
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The Pope's 12-day visit to Canada has ended, with some criticism of th...
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The historic visit is hailed as a success.
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Foul weather prevents the Pope's planned visit to Dene village.
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The financial fallout from the Pope's 12-day visit.
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John Paul II finally visits Fort Simpson.